Shelbourne Park patrons watched in amazement as Paradise Madison produced the greatest run in the 85-year history of Irish greyhound racing in winning his semi-final of the National Puppy Stake.

Three weeks earlier he had become the first greyhound to dip below 28 seconds for the 525 yards at Shelbourne when clocking 27.92, and this time flew around in 27.67, an improvement of a staggering 25 spots on his former mark.

Trained by Ollie Bray in Navan for Enniskerry resident Dave Buckley, Paradise Madison flew out of the inside box, comfortably cleared the bend and then raced to a seven-length margin over Droopys Adler, with Leamaneigh Turbo six lengths further back.

He will run from trap two in next Saturday's €15,000 final, with the other semi-final winner, Paddy Hennessy's Leamaneigh Story on his inside.

Leamaneigh Story had a great buckle with Scolari Express before finally edging ahead on the last bend and going on to win by two lengths from strong-finishing Fear Big Star in 28.31.

The old record of 27.92 was equalled by Fraser Black's Droopys Jet in winning the €10,000 Night of Stars 525.

He had been two lengths adrift of Knockglass Billy when the hare broke down in the original race a week earlier, but this time he got it absolutely right as he broke fast and led all the way for a two-and-a-half-length margin over Knockglass.

There were also flying times in the Christmas Oaks first round, with Paul Hennessy's Locnamon Bridie the fastest as she led all in 28.15.

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